Scattershot: My Journey From the Projects to Paris to Rodeo Drive by Larry Chrysler is a memoir detailing the author's ascent in the fashion industry, beginning with a difficult upbringing. After opening a popular menswear store in Los Angeles in 1969, Chrysler leveraged his early experiences and the cultural landscape of the era to establish himself as a designer despite heavy obstacles, including his identity as a gay man, the Korean War draft, and tumultuous relationships. Chrysler transitioned from dress design to menswear, launching successful stores like AH MEN and Theodore Man on Rodeo Drive. His achievements were tempered by personal losses, including the suicide of his partner, Frank. Ultimately, Chrysler's journey is a testament to his resilience, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring contributions to the fashion world, alongside a celebration of love and companionship in his later life.

In Scattershot, Larry Chrysler delivers a deeply raw and wholly authentic look into one man's life against all odds and the backdrop of the fashion industry. Chrysler has a conversational style of writing that is both endearing and introspective, and readers get a true grasp of the heartache of loss, the thrill of ambition, and the bittersweet nature of relationships. Chrysler’s encounters with iconic figures, such as Marciano and Perry Ellis, are not merely anecdotes but serve as buoys in the shifting tides of fashion. I appreciate the courage it takes for Chrysler to share his emotional struggles and the string of losses he experienced. One is horrifying. Several within a short span is unthinkable. I love that he went into teaching and art collecting, which shows us how multifaceted he is. A true rags-to-riches tale that is beautifully told. Very highly recommended.

Larry Chrysler's internal journey and professional life are the main features of his memoir titled Scattershot, which he wrote at the ripe age of ninety-two. He sketches his life journey through his designer experiences, meeting celebrities, and sharing his life with high-profile persons and unforgettable partners. He had a life of dining and dancing, exploring his love of the arts, particularly music and fashion, and traveling. That launched him on a trajectory spanning the next five decades. At a time when he was convinced the world misunderstood him, he was a fledgling gay person, still closeted, and had to find ways to express himself. Both humorous and tragic events still unfolded. Larry’s partner Frank preferred a more bohemian lifestyle. Despite their frequent arguments, there were many times when they enjoyed one another’s company. They were still, after all, in love with one another.

I understood why Larry Chrysler unveiled his sentiments about his personal and professional journey that had long been concealed. He wanted to establish the truth that there was another world out there. He titled his memoir Scattershot because it defines his life’s journey as a series of often mysterious events, encounters, and adventures that enabled him to evolve. The experience helped him to reframe and contextualize his life in a whole new way. He felt so confused, helpless, and alone in dealing with life. He could have easily ended up leading a less fulfilling life, yet even in the face of poverty, mental health challenges, and enduring emotional abuse from his father, he always knew that he would eventually overcome it all. He now had clear explanations for and confirmation of things he’d never quite been able to put his finger on but which he knew to be major factors and driving influences in his life. This memoir is worth reading because it shows how truth, determination, and self-scrutiny help to renew your purpose in life.